Gold Weekend - MSC Mediterannean Cruise
We arrived in Genoa port to a rather spectacular site of our home for the next few days - MSC Preziosa. Despite being late October, the sun shone and the ship looked amazing. We were very lucky to have a balcony cabin, which was a reasonable size and nicely decorated. The ship was beautiful inside with many 'wow' features but what made this trip for us was the stops.
We were able to disembark in Barcelona for a day after enjoying the previous night on board. We'd already signed up for an electric bike tour but on waking up we found the weather to be awful - torrential rain that promised to continue for the whole day. The tour had been fully booked but it soon became apparent only a few would brave the weather! I'd never been to Barcelona so felt I should continue with the plans! It turned out to be very memorable and is a day I will never forget!
The electric bikes were fab, and we were able to cycle up to where the cable car took us even higher. We had a brilliant guide who gave us lots of information throughout the day and after our descent into the city centre we were rewarded with a drink and tapas stop. At that time the rain got worse but we all decided we would like to take the long route home, so we could see La Sagrada Familia. I'm glad we did as, even from the outside in the pouring rain, it's an amazing place with interesting history. I didn't realise until then that it is still to be finished! After that it was time to head back to the ship, dry off and warm up!
We were rewarded that evening with a lovely meal at the speciality restaurant Eataly (where you can order a metre-long pizza if you wish!)
The next day we had another bike tour planned for Palma, Majorca so on waking up the first thing we did was look outside at the weather. Thankfully it was a huge contrast - blue skies and sunshine! It was an easy cycle from the port to the cathedral and a lovely way to see the city, ideal for a short trip like ours. I'd love to go back to Palma for a short break and it was great to see it as it isn't somewhere I'd really think of if clients were asking. With the added benefit of the weather, it makes a great weekend away.
On our final day we decided to have a day on board the ship enjoying the facilities and as the weather was sunny again, I felt obliged to try the onboard water-slide which is great for the kids if you go with family.
Overall, a great trip and as with any cruise, it was nice to see so many places in such a short time.